Photo: Delegates from the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers, including H. DeWayne Johnson, President/CEO of the Southern Georgia Black Chambers (far left), gather with Senator Jon Ossoff during their recent fly-in to Washington D.C. to advocate for policies supporting Black-owned businesses and economic development in Georgia.
ATLANTA – The Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers recently took a trip to Washington D.C. to advocate for growth within the Black business community.
Release:
Representatives from the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers (GCBC), a coalition of Black Commerce Associations and black business leaders across the Southeastern US, recently participated in a successful fly-in to Washington D.C. The trip focused on advocating for policies and initiatives that promote economic empowerment and growth within the Black business community.
During the multi-day trip, GCBC members engaged in a series of high-level meetings with federal lawmakers, agency officials, and national business leaders. The discussions centered on key issues impacting Black-owned businesses, including access to capital, contracting opportunities, workforce development, and regulatory reform.
“The D.C. fly-in was a tremendous opportunity for us to elevate the voices of Black entrepreneurs in Southern Georgia, and we did that. We were also able to make a direct impact on federal leaders and gain insight into opportunities at the federal level,” said H. DeWayne Johnson, Founder and President/CEO of the Southern Georgia Black Chambers (SGBC).
Johnson also serves as the current Vice President of the Georgia Coalition of Black Chambers.
“We were able to forge valuable relationships with various departments and build upon our coalitions with other organizations that share our commitment to economic growth in the black business community.”
The delegation’s advocacy efforts focused on:
- Advocating for increased funding for Small Business Administration (SBA) programs that provide loans, grants, and technical assistance to minority-owned businesses.
- Pushing for equitable access to federal contracting opportunities for Black-owned businesses, particularly in infrastructure and technology sectors.
- Supporting workforce development initiatives that prepare Black workers for high-demand jobs and career advancement.
- Promoting policies that address systemic barriers to entrepreneurship and economic mobility in Black communities.
“Our goal is to ensure that Black businesses in Southern Georgia have the resources and support they need to thrive,” added Johnson. “Our annual trips allow us to make significant progress towards that goal and to build a stronger foundation for future advocacy efforts at the federal, state, and local levels.”
According to the organization, the GCBC is committed to continuing its advocacy work on behalf of Black-owned businesses across the state and through its trusted 12 regional partners, which includes the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, spearheaded by Johnson’s team. The coalition promotes working together in order to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all.
As a regional partner of the GCBC, the Southern Georgia Black Chambers represents Region 11 in the state of Georgia and is dedicated to empowering Black-owned businesses in the region. Through advocacy, education, and networking, the SGBC works to create a supportive ecosystem for Black entrepreneurs to start, grow, and sustain successful businesses.
For more information about how the chamber can advocate for your business and to become a member of the Southern Georgia Black Chambers, visit www.sgablackchambers.org/join.